Van Dijk reveals what he makes of the reported interest in signing him

Celtic defender Virgil van Dijk has told the Scotsman he’s encouraged by the reported interest from clubs in signing him.

The Scotsman suggests Arsenal, Southampton and Sunderland are all interested in doing a deal, but he’s suggested he won’t be going anywhere before the transfer deadline this evening.

“Interest is fine, it’s always good to have people watching you,” said the defender.

“I can do nothing with interest and it looks like Celtic don’t want to sell me so it looks like I’m staying here.”

His comments are encouraging for Celtic fans because he’ll be an important player in the title race as well as in the Europa League.

He provides experience to the Celtic backline and also offers a presence that few others in Ronny Deila’s squad can match.

Arsenal would seemingly have the best chance of getting him because of their financial resources, though Southampton will be an attractive proposition if they secure Champions League football for next season.

The Scotsman doesn’t suggest that any bids are expected over the course of the day and even if they were, they are likely to be rejected out of hand by the Bhoys, who seem more determined to keep him than taking a big money offer from a European rival.

His comments about interest in him being good shows he must be doing something right to create a positive impression and as far as Celtic are concerned, long may his form continue if they hang onto him.

Lewis Doe

Lewis Doe is a freelance writer and editor who seeks to bring you the biggest, smallest and most interesting stories from the football world. Lewis has previously written for some of the biggest football news and opinion sites in the world including FootballFanCast and Goal.com International. Lewis is also experienced writing in the betting industry and aims to deliver his stories with up to date factual and statistical information. He hopes to sum up stories for the site and provide an angle on the issue moving forward.Lewis is HITC Sport's La Liga correspondent.